The upcoming Version 2.6 of Honkai: Star Rail promises to expand the game's universe significantly, with recent leaks pointing towards a major new explorable area on the planet of Penacony. Following earlier rumors about the update's content, a detailed layout of a new map has surfaced, fueling speculation about the Trailblazer's imminent return to the Dreamscape world. This return appears necessary to address unresolved threats and storylines, potentially setting the stage for the journey towards the much-anticipated new planet inspired by ancient Greek themes.
The leaked map layout, shared by prominent leaker Flying Flames, presents an aerial view of a sprawling complex. This location is widely believed by the community to be the infamous Paperfold Academy, an institution long rumored to be haunted. The design features a central building with multiple extended wings, suggesting a vast and labyrinthine interior perfect for exploration. Surrounding the main structure is a meticulously planned garden area, hinting at a place that once held prestige before its fall into disrepute. An accompanying screenshot offers a glimpse into a dark, subterranean room, reinforcing the eerie and mysterious atmosphere that players have come to associate with Penacony's hidden dangers.
Narrative threads are converging on this location. According to in-game lore found on Penacony, a dangerous Memory Zone Meme was sealed within the academy's library. It is highly probable that the Trailblazer's mission in Version 2.6 will involve confronting and defeating this entity, whether as a pivotal moment in the main storyline or as a challenging side quest. This return to Penacony is further complicated by the anticipated reappearance of Sunday, the disgraced former head of the Oak Family. Leaks suggest he will re-enter the narrative, not as an ally, but potentially as a formidable boss enemy, posing a significant threat to the Trailblazer and their companions.
Character dynamics are also set to evolve. The community has expressed a strong desire to see the illustrious Dr. Ratio make an appearance at the Paperfold Academy, perhaps in the role of an educator or a consultant investigating its anomalies. His logical mind would be a perfect counterpoint to the dreamlike and chaotic energies of Penacony. Meanwhile, the new 5-star character, Rappa, revealed for Version 2.6, is expected to play a crucial role in facilitating or guiding the return to this troubled planet.
Looking beyond the immediate update, Version 2.6 may serve as a narrative launching pad for future content. Strong rumors indicate that Sunday himself is slated to become a playable 5-star character in a subsequent update. His speculated kit as an Imaginary-type Harmony unit suggests he would follow in the supportive footsteps of his sister, Robin, potentially offering powerful new buffs and team compositions. His arrival could dramatically shift the combat meta, providing ideal support for the game's top-tier damage dealers. The prospect of recruiting a former antagonist adds a rich layer of complexity to the game's ongoing story.
The anticipation for Honkai: Star Rail Version 2.6 is palpable within the player base. The combination of a large, mysterious new map, the resolution of lingering Penacony plotlines, the introduction of new characters, and the setup for future developments creates a compelling package. Players are eager to once again walk the dreamlike streets, but this time to uncover the secrets buried in the halls of the Paperfold Academy and face the consequences of past conflicts.